TENNESSEE REGULATION GUIDE
Rules for outdoor gas appliances and propane use can vary by state and local jurisdiction. Review Tennessee statewide requirements and explore local rules for gas grills, fire pits, propane appliances, short-term rentals, appliance placement and other outdoor gas uses.
TENNESSEE OVERVIEW
Tennessee Statewide Requirements
Start with the statewide fire and fuel-gas framework before reviewing additional local requirements that may apply to specific properties, appliance types or inspected rental uses.
Review statewide considerations for outdoor gas appliances, propane safety and fire restrictions.
EXPLORE BY AREA
Explore Tennessee Regulations
Select a highlighted county to review identified local outdoor gas and propane requirements.
County boundaries are shown for geographic reference. Sevier County is highlighted because a 60-minute timer requirement has been identified for covered Short-Term Rental Units under the county inspection program. This does not mean the requirement applies to every Sevier County property or municipality. “No local requirement identified yet” does not mean that no regulation applies. Always verify with the relevant local authority.
Tennessee — Outdoor Gas & Propane Regulations
Last reviewed: September 16, 2026
1. Summary
Tennessee follows adopted fire and fuel-gas codes for outdoor gas installations. Local authorities may impose additional requirements based on property use, appliance type and local fire conditions.
The state materials reviewed do not identify a general statewide countdown-timer requirement for all residential gas grills, fire pits or other outdoor gas appliances.
View Tennessee Adopted Codes →
2. Key State Requirement
Timer requirements may exist at the local level, particularly for inspected rental properties.
A local timer requirement should not be interpreted as applying throughout Tennessee.
3. Key Restrictions
- Outdoor use: Gas grills should be used outdoors and kept away from combustible materials.
- Propane safety: Hoses, connections and cylinders should be maintained and used according to applicable safety requirements.
- Fire restrictions: Local restrictions or burn bans may further limit outdoor flame use.
4. Can No Worriez Help?
At the statewide level, a gas shut-off timer is an optional safety measure, not a Tennessee-wide legal requirement.
Local jurisdictions may impose specific timed shut-off requirements.
Explore Tennessee Local Timer Requirements ↓- Tennessee State Fire Marshal — Adopted Codes
- Tennessee State Fire Marshal — Grilling Safety
- Tennessee Division of Forestry — Burn Bans
Last reviewed: September 16, 2026
LOCAL REQUIREMENTS
Local Regulation Summaries
The sections below summarize local requirements identified through the current review. Select an available area on the Tennessee map above to jump directly to its regulation summary.
Sevier County — 60-Minute Gas Shut-Off Timer Requirements
Last reviewed: September 16, 2026
Sevier County has a specific gas shut-off timer requirement for certain outdoor gas appliances at Short-Term Rental Units (STRUs) covered by the county inspection program.
Common Requirement
The Sevier County Fire Marshal inspection checklist requires a 60-minute gas shut-off timer installed on the gas line for covered installations.
Covered Appliances
The published checklist specifically identifies:
- Natural-gas grills on decks
- Propane grills on decks
- Natural-gas fire pits
- Propane fire pits
The checklist does not state that every outdoor gas appliance requires a timer.
It also does not specifically require a mechanical timer or a manual-reset mechanism.
Who Does This Apply To?
This requirement applies to properties subject to the Sevier County Short-Term Rental Unit permit and inspection program.
The county program applies to qualifying rental properties outside incorporated municipal limits.
This requirement should not be described as a Tennessee statewide requirement, a rule for every Sevier County residence, or a universal rule for properties located inside cities such as Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge or Sevierville.
Properties inside municipal limits should check the applicable city and fire-authority requirements separately.
Additional Grill & Fire Pit Requirements
The timer is only one part of the inspection requirements.
For covered natural-gas and propane grills and fire pits, the Sevier County checklist also requires:
- A non-combustible mat or protective surface
- Equipment to be secured to the deck against movement
- At least 18 inches of separation from railings or the sides of the structure
A compliant timer therefore does not by itself satisfy the complete inspection requirement.
Charcoal Grills
Charcoal grills are treated differently from gas appliances.
The checklist requires charcoal grills to:
- Remain off the structure
- Be located at least 10 feet from the structure and combustible surfaces
unless otherwise approved by the Fire Code Official.
Wood-Burning Fire Pits
Wood-burning fire pits and similar open-burning devices are subject to separate restrictions.
The inspection checklist prohibits these devices on combustible structural surfaces.
This requirement should not be confused with the rules governing natural-gas or propane fire pits.
Fire Conditions & Temporary Restrictions
Passing the county short-term rental inspection does not guarantee that an outdoor flame appliance can be used at all times.
Temporary fire restrictions, burn bans or other emergency conditions may still apply.
Always check current state and local restrictions before operation.
60-Minute / 1-Hour Gas Timer
PRODUCT RELEVANCE: HIGHFor covered Sevier County short-term rental installations, a compatible 60-minute / 1-hour No Worriez gas shut-off timer may be relevant to the timer requirement.
The final installation should still be matched to the appliance, fuel type, pressure, capacity and connection requirements, and confirmed with the applicable authority.
No Worriez 1 Hour Gas Grill Shut Off Timer – 1/2" NPT Female
BGPS-GT-01
A 60-minute mechanical gas shut-off timer for compatible natural-gas or propane installations using 1/2" NPT female connections.
- Timer: Up to 60 minutes
- Fuel: Natural gas & propane
- Capacity: Up to 100,000 BTU
- Connection: 1/2" NPT female inlet & outlet
- Certification: CSA-certified
- Operation: 100% mechanical
Alternative 3/8" Flare 1-Hour Models
For compatible 3/8" flare installations, No Worriez also offers 60-minute connection options.
Product compatibility does not by itself establish county approval. Confirm the final installation, timer setting, appliance specifications, fuel type, pressure, BTU capacity, connection type and acceptance with the Sevier County Fire Marshal or applicable authority.
- Sevier County — Short-Term Rental Unit Permit Program
- Sevier County Fire Marshal — STRU Inspection Checklist
- Tennessee Division of Forestry — Burn Bans
Last reviewed: September 16, 2026
ONGOING RESEARCH
Additional Tennessee Jurisdictions
We are continuing to review county, city, fire authority, short-term-rental and other local requirements across Tennessee.
If an area is not yet highlighted on the map, a specific local requirement may still be under review or may not yet have been identified in the current research.
Add an Extra Layer of Gas Safety.
An automatic gas shut-off timer can help prevent gas from being left on by stopping the flow after a set time. No Worriez provides mechanical shut-off solutions for compatible grills, pizza ovens, fire pits, patio heaters and other outdoor gas appliances.
Explore No Worriez Gas TimersA gas shut-off timer does not replace local code requirements or make a prohibited appliance installation compliant. Always verify applicable state and local regulations before use.